November 3
CSPF Launches A Bold New Plan to
Save Our State Parks
On November 3rd, 2009, CSPF took the first of a series of formal steps toward a long-term, sustainable funding mechanism to keep state parks open and accessible for Californians. Along with our partners in a campaign committee, we filed a proposed statewide ballot measure to try to put the State Park Access Pass on the ballot in November 2010. The measure is called the "California State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010" and calls on Californians to support their state park system and wildlife conservation areas by paying $18 annually for a State Park Access Pass surcharge on vehicle license fees.
You know that for the last year and half, we've tried to work with the Legislature and Governor to Save Our State Parks. Although we staved off the closure of 80% of the system (proposed by the Governor), and elimination of all core state funding for state parks (also proposed by the Gov), it's clear that the powers that be in Sacramento aren't riding to the rescue for state parks. Well, we're done trying to convince them and we're taking our case to the people. CSPF is actively working to put the State Park Access Pass on the ballot in November 2010 and will be spending this Fall and Winter gathering public support.
In the coming months, there will be many ways to support this effort. This is an exciting step forward for all state park advocates, and there are many additional steps ahead as we explore the feasibility of getting in front of voters next November. Right now, we’re organizing volunteers to gather signatures to help qualify the initiative for the ballot. Not only are park supporters the most passionate voices on this issue, but using volunteers will be a great cost-savings for the campaign. If you’re willing to commit to helping put the State Park Access Pass on the ballot, please click here to join our team. Thank you for your support!
Find out more about the State Park Access Pass here
UPDATE: October 11
GOVERNOR VETOES PARK PROTECTION BILLS
On October 11th the Governor vetoed two landmark state park protection bills—Senate Bill 679 and Senate Bill 372
Click here for Elizabeth Goldstein's Statement
UPDATE: August 4
On July 28, the Governor signed the state budget. It contained an additional $6M cut to state parks, bringing the total General Fund cut for this budget year to $14.2M. It is expected that this will result in the closure of perhaps more than 100 state parks. There is still no closure list at this time.
We are reviewing budget documents right now and will be looking for any additional information to provide to all of you.
Read our statement here
UPDATE: July 24
Today, both houses of the Legislature passed a package of bills containing changes to the Fiscal Year 2009-2010 state budget. California’s state park system escaped an immediate, almost-total dismantling that had been proposed just 8 weeks ago. Instead of 220 of the state’s 279 state parks closing, a final budget gap of about $8 million will spare most parks, but will not avoid closures altogether.
Read our statement here
UPDATE: July 21
Last night the Big 5 announced they have reached a deal on the state budget. Nothing is in print right now, so there is no hard evidence or document to point to. However, it seems as though state parks will have $70 million of their General Fund allocation eliminated, but $62 million of it will be backfilled by other funding sources. This leaves the Department of Parks & Recreation with an $8M gap. That $8m cut will mean park closures, possibly on the magnitude of 30+, but that is not yet certain. We will keep you updated with the most up to date news as we learn it. Thanks to everyone for all of the support for State Parks!
UPDATE: July 9
After a week of false starts and many stops, the Legislature and Governor remain deadlocked on a budget resolution. This leaves the status of the park closure proposal up in the air, along with other budget proposals. In fact, the closure proposal has the dubious distinction of being one of the issues mentioned in a recent Time Magazine article that talks about the fiscal dysfunction in California.
But for now, state parks are open and available and Californians should go out and visit, enjoy and play in state parks! The Save Our State Parks Campaign continues to add more supporters every day to our fight to keep our parks open. In addition to the more than 95,000 people that have sent letters to legislators, signed petitions, sent postcards, or called or emailed their elected officials, you can see the growing list of organizations, businesses and other groups that are joining us here. Know of an organization or group that should be part of the fight? Send them a note and ask them to sign up to be part of the movement to Save Our State Parks!
June 29, 2009
On June 26, the State Senate tried to take the State Park Access Pass up for a vote. It failed, because it did not receive the 2/3 vote required. The vote was 22 in favor (all Democrats) 14 opposed (all Republicans + 1 Democrat) and 4 abstentions.
Although it's a big disappointment, this outcome was not unexpected, as the Legislature continues to stalemate on all state budget issues. This doesn’t change our course of action – we all need to continue fighting to urge the Legislature to keep state parks open, even if that requires a funding source that isn’t the State Park Access Pass.
News & Updates
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